Colorado MOTORCYCLE DMV Practice Test 16

Hand signals are an important part of communication when riding in groups. If a lead rider extends their left arm straight down with their palm facing back, the group of riders should come to a stop.

You must use proper turn signals every time you turn or change lanes, even if you think your intentions are obvious. Signals are always important, even if no one else seems to be around to see them. There may be other vehicles nearby that you can't see or haven't yet noticed.

Do not try to accelerate out of a wobble because doing so will only make the motorcycle more unstable. Instead, grip the handlebars firmly, slow down by gradually closing the throttle, move your weight as far forward and downward as possible, and pull off the road as soon as you can. Avoid applying the brakes, as this may also worsen the wobble.

A staggered formation is generally best when riding in a group. You should move into a single-file line when turning, riding in a curve, or entering or exiting a highway.

You should use both brakes every time you slow down or stop. Always apply the brakes simultaneously.

It is a good idea to sound your horn before riding past a vehicle or pedestrian that may move into your lane. If you see a driver in an adjacent lane driving too closely to the vehicle ahead of them, you may assume that they want to pass and may cut in front of you to do so. If you see a person in the driver's seat of a parked car, or if you see a pedestrian or bicyclist in the street, it is a good idea to sound your horn as you pass.

Riding between slowed or parked cars can leave you vulnerable to unexpected hazards, such as opening car doors or cars suddenly pulling into traffic. If a hazard arises, you will not have room to safely maneuver. Never travel on the shoulder of a road because other drivers will never expect you to be there.

Taking a corner too fast may cause you to cross into another lane or go off the road. Be sure to decelerate before beginning to take a turn or curve.

You should shift down through the gears with the clutch as you slow or stop. Stay in first gear while you are stopped so you can move quickly, if needed.

On average, the body can eliminate the alcohol content of about one drink per hour. However, some alcohol may accumulate in the body even if a person consumes only one drink per hour. Their abilities and judgment can still be impaired.

More than half of all motorcycle crashes involve riders who have been using their motorcycle for less than six months. Most crashes take place in broad daylight when the riders are traveling at low speeds.

Wet pavement is especially slippery when it first begins to rain. Deposits of oil left by cars will not yet have washed off the roadway. If it is raining, it is safest to ride in the tire tracks left by cars. The left tire track will often be your best choice, although this may vary.

To reduce the risk of a collision when riding at night, be sure to reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Use the headlights of vehicles ahead of you to see farther down the road. Use your high beam headlight, except when following or meeting another vehicle.

You can achieve maximum stopping power by using both the front and rear brakes. You should use both brakes every time you slow or stop.

Even with three wheels on the ground, a sidecar can tip over if it is being turned too sharply or is moving too fast for a corner.

A number of surfaces can provide poor traction for tires. Wet pavement; roads covered in loose gravel or sand; muddy, snowy, or icy areas; and painted lane markings can be more hazardous for a motorcyclist than dry pavement.

When turning, look through the turn to where you want to go by turning only your head. Keep your knees against the gas tank to help maintain your balance while turning. Your arms should be slightly bent any time you are holding the handgrips.

If either of your tires go flat and you must brake, gradually apply the brake of the tire that is not flat (if you are certain of which tire that is).

When approaching railroad tracks that cross your lane at an angle, it is best to simply cross the tracks while riding straight within your lane. Turning to cross the tracks at a 90-degree angle could be dangerous because you could end up crossing into another lane of traffic.

To reduce the risk of injury, riders should wear a helmet, eye protection, heavy shoes or boots, full-length pants, a jacket, and full-fingered gloves. Clothing should be made of durable materials to best protect the wearer.

Each traffic lane provides three paths of travel for motorcyclists: the left, center, and right portions of the lane.

To maintain directional control through a turn, you should look through the turn by turning only your head. Slow down before turning and lean your motorcycle in the appropriate direction.

Choose a helmet that meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and state standards. It should fit you snugly all the way around and be free of obvious defects.

To minimize your risk of a crash, ensure that you are visible to other drivers, communicating your intentions to other drivers, and maintaining a cushion of space around you. You should search for, identify, and separate hazards. Be prepared to react to anything that happens.

A staggered formation is generally the best way for a group to maintain close ranks while also allowing each rider to maintain an adequate cushion of space. A single-file formation is preferable when taking curves, turning, or entering or exiting a highway.